Tired of grammar Nazis? I here ya.
By Dan on Nov 17, 2009 in Blog
Those of us with a working command of the language often take delight in pointing out the grammatical bumbling of lesser writers. After all, what could be more fun than laughing at the illiterate? Still, I’ve decided to take a less pedantic stance on such matters. Not because I think that correct usage is negligible, but because errors don’t necessarily arise from ignorance.
Take "their," "there" and "they’re." I know the meaning of each of these words. I know where they belong and where they don’t belong. Yet I will sometimes type one when another is called for. Why would I do this?
When I’m writing, I’m transcribing the words that I hear in my head. And since these words all sound the same, I will on occasion type the wrong one. In transcriber mode, I’m responsible for getting the words on paper quickly. It’s not until the proofreader takes over that grammar and spelling becomes a priority. But even then, the same problem can arise. When I’m reading I’m also hearing the words in my head and so a misused homophone will sometimes slip by security.
So from now on I’ll be giving people the benefit of the doubt in social media situations. Unless there is some other marker of extreme ignorance – such as writing "loose" when it should be "lose," or writing in praise of Nickleback – I’m just going to assume that most errors result from a mistranslation.
Now should you find some miscues on this blog, feel free to point them out, but save the wisecracks. I’m working without an editor, here.
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On this topic I give no breaks. If I mess up, let me have it. Therefore I reserve the right to let others have it as well, and you should too.
One of my favorites is the use of “noone” for “no one.” Makes me crazy. I have also found many using “than” rather than “then.” Didn’t we all have English in school?
I am disappointed in your stance Dan. We need more worthy sentinels to watch over our language not less. But I am not sure why you need to name-call. Who are you referring to as a ‘homophone?”
MB | Nov 17, 2009 | Reply
Dan I have to confess that I am a ball buster in this regard…but I will pencil whip myself when I notice that I’ve made an error (especially in emails). It drives Roy insane because I am always pointing out his grammar errors. I am also a spelling whore – it must be an extension of my OCD.
But, I do appreciate that in the heat of thought, it’s easy to make mistakes. Thank goodness correcting something that is typed on the computer is so easy…I rarely hand write anything because a)my writing sucks, and b)there is no proof reading option on handwriting!
But, just so we’re understood here… I wull blast u fer youre grammer an speelling errers whanever I heppen to cetch thum.
caseymay | Nov 17, 2009 | Reply
oh yeah – well back to BFS…I’ve missed your posts
caseymay | Nov 17, 2009 | Reply
what could be more fun than laughing at the illiterate?
This is the funniest thing I’ve read in some time.
I know I’ve pointed out abused apostrophes here from time to time. It’s jerky of me to do that, yet I would want people pointing out my punctuation, grammar and spelling mistakes. I’m a complex dude.
Anonymous Communist | Nov 17, 2009 | Reply
Grammar Nazi… I can live with that.
I understand what you’re saying, Dan, but it’s *typically* fairly easy to tell the difference between errors of mistranslation, typo, being in a hurry, or whatever, and those of just flat out ignorance.
I never INTEND to come across as a Nazi when I point them out, but my thought is, if my correcting someone ends up keeping them from doing it again, then it’s worth it. I’m not perfect by any means; I would want someone to correct my mistakes. Or at least point them out and razz me about it.
Don’t even get me started on the misuse of apostrophes though.
Johann | Nov 18, 2009 | Reply
This post wasn’t intended to point fingers at others, but rather to serve as a renunciation of my former ways. I took a little too much delight in identifying the errors of others.
As I’ve gotten more into social media, I don’t always proof myself as much as I used to and have let some really bad mistakes slip through.
I agree that pointing out mistakes serves a purpose. I just try to damn the sin and not the sinner.
Dan | Nov 18, 2009 | Reply
Recognizing a mistake is one thing. Pointing it out is something else entirely. For many (but not as many as a couple of decades ago, I fear), seeing these mistakes is almost like breathing. They can’t help it. And, I suspect, neither can you. So you’ve had a minor epiphany and are now conflicted over whether to point out/correct the errors, or just let them be. By correcting, you invite the “Nazi” moniker. But ignoring just don’t feel right, does it? See? My improper use of “don’t” above just jumped off the screen and whacked you on the side of the head, didn’t it? Yet, if you were listening to me instead of reading this, and you heard me use “don’t” instead of “doesn’t” in that same context, would you even consider correcting me? If not, does this mean we assign a higher value to correct grammar when it’s written than when it’s spoken? Or is it only that the idea of correcting spoken grammar (other than our kids’)reeks too much of snotty teachers’ pets we all knew in school, so we don’t do it?
JC | Nov 18, 2009 | Reply
Dan, I’m trying to let these things go too, particularly on Facebook where it just comes off as douchey.
nancy | Nov 19, 2009 | Reply